Choose the Right High School Courses: Set Your Student Up for Success

ByAimee Heller
A photo illustrating expert college advisor South Florida at International College Counselors offers tips to choose the right high school courses.

Choosing high school courses—and even middle school courses—is about more than just filling up your schedule—it’s making decisions that strike a balance between challenge, personal interests, and long-term goals. Whether your student is just starting their high school journey or planning their senior year, every choice matters. Colleges pay close attention to the classes a student selects, as their schedule showcases their initiative, drive, and academic readiness. Here’s a guide to help your student choose high school courses, making informed decisions while keeping their future in mind.

1. Consider Interests and Goals

  • Passions: Encourage your student to choose high school courses that align with their interests and career goals. If they love science, advanced options like AP Biology or AP Physics can help them dive deeper. Colleges love to see students who have explored their passions in-depth.
  • Future Plans: Post-high school plans matter. Research colleges’ admission requirements and recommended coursework to ensure your student meets the necessary criteria for their desired schools or programs. (See #9.)

2. Embrace Challenge Without Overloading

  • Rigor: Colleges often value students who take on challenging courses like Honors, AP, IB, AICE, and dual enrollment. This applies even during senior year—showing academic rigor throughout high school can make a difference.
  • Colleges most often want to see four years of classes in each of the five core disciplines (English, math, science, social science, and world language), so plan accordingly.
  • Balance: It’s important to push boundaries but also to be realistic about your student’s abilities. Avoid overloading your student with too many demanding courses that could lead to too much stress and burnout.

3. Seek Advice from Experts

  • Guidance Counselors and Teachers: Encourage your student to connect with their school counselor or teachers when choosing courses. They can offer tailored advice based on strengths, goals, and academic performance.
  • International College Counselors: We will provide our clients with insights into course selections that align with your student’s future plans. With our support, your student can make the most of these transformative years and set themselves up for success in college and beyond.

4. Consider College Credit Opportunities

  • AP, IB, AICE Courses, and Dual Enrollment: Advanced coursework can provide students with college-level material, critical thinking skills, and even college credit through exams.
  • AP Courses: Advanced Placement (AP) courses offer college-level material and the opportunity to earn college credit through exams.
  • IB Courses: International Baccalaureate (IB) courses are known for their rigorous academic standards and emphasis on critical thinking, research, and global mindedness.
  • AICE Courses: Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) courses offer rigorous, college-level classes and may offer students the opportunity to earn college credit.
  • Dual Enrollment: Some high schools offer dual enrollment (DE) programs where students can take college courses for credit while still in high school.

5. Earn High School Credit in Middle School

  • For students eager to get a head start, many middle schools offer opportunities to earn high school credit. Courses like Algebra I, Geometry, or introductory foreign language classes often count toward high school graduation requirements if taken in middle school. This can free up a student’s schedule later to take more advanced classes or explore electives in high school. However, it’s important to ensure the student is ready for the increased rigor, as grades earned in these courses may appear on their high school transcript.

6. Explore a Variety of Subjects

  • Broaden Horizons: High school is the perfect time to try out new areas of study, whether it’s computer science, art, or psychology. It’s okay to not have everything figured out—what matters most is staying open to new possibilities and making thoughtful decisions along the way.
  • A Well-Rounded Education: Colleges value students with diverse experiences. Balancing five core classes with electives like drama or robotics creates a dynamic schedule.

7. Balance the Schedule

  • Time Management: Ensure your student’s schedule leaves room for extracurricular activities, family time, and relaxation.
  • Extracurriculars: From sports to volunteering, these activities not only help with personal growth but also stand out on college applications.

8. Review Graduation Requirements

  • Stay on Track: Familiarize yourself with your school’s graduation requirements and make sure your student is meeting all the necessary criteria for graduation. Requirements for graduation can be established by either an individual school or the state. It’s important to review your student’s school website for these details. If the information is not readily available, reach out to the school directly to request the specific requirements in writing.
  • For homeschoolers, while not all states require specific graduation criteria, it is generally recommended to adhere to the suggested courses for graduation followed by public schools, particularly if the student intends to pursue a college education.
  • Flexible Electives: Use elective courses to explore new interests or meet graduation criteria.

9. Keep Long-Term Goals in Mind

  • College Preparation: High school courses aren’t just about grades; they prepare students for college and careers. Keep long-term goals in mind when selecting courses.
  • College-Specific Requirements: Research the requirements for specific schools or majors. Numerous colleges, particularly selective ones, have distinct admissions criteria for incoming students. For example:
  • The University of California system requires a year-long visual or performing arts course.
  • Many colleges recommend four years of a single foreign language.
  • Engineering programs might require advanced math like Calculus before graduation.

10. Stay Flexible and Adapt

  • Re-Evaluation: Interests and goals change. Be open to revisiting course selections each year to ensure they still align with your student’s aspirations.
  • Alternative Paths: If plans shift, encourage your student to explore new options, whether it’s switching to a different subject focus or adding dual enrollment classes.

INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE COUNSELORS

No matter where your family is in the college admissions process, International College Counselors can help you with every aspect, including honing the college list, fine-tuning college applications, writing admission essays, managing college transfers, and choosing high school courses. The expert team at International College Counselors includes former college admission officers, high school directors and counselors, and writing professionals with a combined 250+ years of experience, helping students and families successfully navigate the college application journey. For personalized guidance, contact International College Counselors at 954-414-9986 or email Marlene at [email protected].